First-Ever Democratic & Activists Summit to be Held in Hampton Roads

Four months into Donald Trump’s presidency, the local Democratic committees of Greater Hampton Roads are sponsoring a summit to resist his policies and plans for our country.

Donald Trump may have turned the nation’s politics on its head, but he has also created a new era of activists. From local Democratic officials who have worked in Democratic politics for years to new activists who have never been involved in politics at all, Hampton Roads is experiencing a level of political participation the area has never seen before.

Activists rising up.

“Our membership has doubled,” said Jen Tierney, chair of the James City County Democratic Committee. “And participation in our events has probably quadrupled.”

In addition to more people participating in their local Democratic committees, dozens of new groups have formed to resist the Trump agenda. Peninsula Progressive Network, an effort to coordinate progressive efforts on the Peninsula, lists 16 groups on the Peninsula who are involved in efforts that include electing candidates, contacting Congressmembers and educating the public.

In an effort to foster this energy and coordination, the local Democratic committees of Greater Hampton Roads are sponsoring the first region-wide summit for Democrats and activists in Hampton Roads on April 30th at Hampton High School. The summit will feature training for candidates and activists on important topics such as messaging, fundraising, field organizing and social media. It will conclude with a plenary session of a panel of local activists talking about the particular efforts of their organizations. Elected officials will be on hand to discuss what it’s like to both campaign and serve.

The summit is a natural outgrowth of the energy and excitement among Democrats and activists in the area.

We have an incredible opportunity to work together to stop Trump’s agenda, which is terrible for this country and Hampton Roads. The summit will give people the chance to improve our efforts through coordination and information sharing.

The summit runs from 9 am to 4 pm. The $10 fee to register includes a continental breakfast and a boxed lunch. You can register for the summit here. After the summit, The Hampton Roads Young Democrats will host Happy Hour with a Purpose with candidates at Comfort Zone Restaurant in Hampton. For more info call 757 287 0277.

Gaylene C. Kanoyton is a native of Detroit Michigan and a graduate of Hampton University and the Civic Leadership Institute. Gaylene has lived in Hampton, Virginia, for almost 30 years. Gaylene is the President of Celebrate Healthcare, LLC- Healthcare Advocacy, Outreach, Education Company and Gaylene LLC – Marketing Consultant Company. She is active in the community and serves on the Board of several state and local organizations, including being the 1st Vice Chair of Organization of the Democratic Party of VA, an Urban League of Hampton Roads Executive Board member, President of the Hampton Branch of NAACP, and VA State Conference Area One Chair.